Parrotfish

29 species

Parrotfish are a vibrant and fascinating addition to any saltwater aquarium, known for their bright colors and unique feeding habits. These fish belong to the family Scaridae and are found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. One of their most distinctive features is their beak-like dental structure, which they use to scrape algae off coral and rocks. This feeding behavior not only helps keep algae growth in check but also contributes to the creation of sandy beaches, as they excrete the ground-up coral as sand.

Parrotfish are generally medium to large in size, with some species growing up to 120 cm (4 feet) in length. They are best suited for larger aquariums due to their size and active swimming habits. These fish are known for their vivid coloration, which can change as they age or during different phases of their life cycle. Some species also exhibit sexual dimorphism, where males and females display different colors and patterns.

Caring for parrotfish in an aquarium setting requires a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate. Due to their diet, it's important to provide a variety of algae-based foods and supplements. They can also be fed small crustaceans and other meaty foods to ensure a balanced diet.

Parrotfish are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially males. It's advisable to keep them with other fish of similar size and temperament. They can coexist with a variety of tank mates, including tangs, angelfish, and wrasses. However, they should not be kept with very small fish or invertebrates, as they may be seen as food.

In summary, parrotfish are a colorful and dynamic choice for experienced aquarists with large tanks. Their unique feeding habits and vivid appearance make them a standout addition to any reef or fish-only aquarium.

  1. Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) feeding
    Common name: Bumphead Parrotfish
    Scientific name: Bolbometopon muricatum
  2. Common name: Spinytooth parrotfish
    Scientific name: Calotomus spinidens
  3. Bicolor Parrotfish - Cetoscarus bicolor ,coral fish in the Red Sea
    Common name: Bicolor parrotfish
    Scientific name: Cetoscarus bicolor
  4. Common name: Bluemoon parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus atrilunula
  5. Common name: Tan-faced parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus frontalis
  6. Tropical colorful fish - bicolour parrotfish (Cetoscarus bicolor) and wrasse in shallow ocean. Seascape with corals and fish. Marine life, underwater photography from snorkeling.
    Common name: Sinai parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus genazonatus
  7. Red Sea Steephead Parrotfish (Chlorurus gibbus)
    Common name: Steephead parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus gibbus
  8. シジュウカラの幼魚
    Common name: Japanese parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus japanensis
  9. A Steephead Parrotfish (Chlorurus microrhinos)
    Common name: Blunt-head parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus microrhinos
  10. Common name: Spectacled parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus perspicillatus
  11. Daisy parrotfish  - Chlorurus sordidus,  Red Sea
    Common name: Bullethead parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus sordidus
  12. Indian Ocean Steephead Parrotfish, Heavybeak Parrotfish, Purple-headed Parrotfish, Steephead Parrotfish, Chlorurus strongylocephalus, scarus strongylocephalus
    Common name: Indian Ocean steephead parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus strongylocephalus
  13. Common name: Troschel's parrotfish
    Scientific name: Chlorurus troschelii
  14. Coral fish - Longnose Parrotfish - Hipposcarus harid in the Red Sea, Egypt
    Common name: Longnose parrotfish
    Scientific name: Hipposcarus harid
  15. Common name: Lama G. Cuvier, 1800
    Scientific name: Leptoscarus vaigiensis
  16. Parrotfish
    Common name: Filament-finned parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus altipinnis
  17. Blue Parrotfish Grazing on the Reef
    Common name: Blue kwab
    Scientific name: Scarus coeruleus
  18. オグロブダイのオス
    Common name: Darktail parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus fuscocaudalis
  19. extreme close up of a blue-chin parrot fish at isla genovesa in the galapagos
    Common name: Blue-barred parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus ghobban
  20. Common name: Guinean parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus hoefleri
  21. Scarus niger - Dusky parrotfish by coral, Red Sea
    Common name: Dusky parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus niger
  22. Common name: Darkcapped parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus oviceps
  23.  parrotfish, feeding in a shipwreck at night. reefs of the Sea of Cortez, Pacific ocean. Cabo Pulmo, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
    Common name: Gulf parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus persicus
  24. Bicolour Parrotfish - Ember Parrotfish - Scarus Rubroviolaceus
    Common name: Ember parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus rubroviolaceus
  25. Common name: Eclipse parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus russelii
  26. オビブダイの幼魚
    Common name: Yellowband parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus schlegeli
  27. Princess parrotfish on the seabed in Raja Ampat. Scarus taeniopterus during dive in Indonesia. Parrotfish are fighting between themselfs. Blue fish with purple strips.
    Common name: loro
    Scientific name: Scarus taeniopterus
  28. A Tricolour Blenny (Ecsenius tricolor)
    Common name: Tricolour parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus tricolor
  29. Common name: Dhofar parrotfish
    Scientific name: Scarus zufar